Afghanistan: NATO Allies Experiencing “Battle Fatigue”
A EURASIANET COMMENTARY BY RICHARD WEITZ
In early April, NATO allies reaffirmed their commitment to Afghanistan’s democratization process, issuing a statement that proclaimed the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul to be the alliance’s “top priority.” Nevertheless, a growing number of Afghans, Europeans, and Americans involved in counter-insurgency operations privately profess that they are war-weary. This dichotomy is raising the possibility that many foreign actors involved in Afghanistan are willing to scale back reconstruction objectives in order to end the fighting, declare victory, and leave.
Source: www.eurasianet.org

Western Diplomatic Offensive in Central Asia Throws Russia on the Defensive
As the CIS summit opened in St. Petersburg on June 6, Russia found itself in an unusual position — on the defensive in the Caspian Basin energy contest. But Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev appears to have assuaged Central Asian leaders, thereby ensuring that Moscow will continue to act as the funnel through which the bulk of the region?s oil and gas flows — if only for the time being.
Source: www.eurasianet.org

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